No. 24 Nebraska will look to validate its first ranking in the Associated Press poll since 2014 when it faces Minnesota on Wednesday night in Minneapolis.

Nebraska (7-1) is coming off a 75-60 win over Illinois in its Big Ten opener on Sunday to add to their best start since 2003.

Senior James Palmer Jr. was able to get to the free throw line against the Illini, hitting 12 of 14 for a game-high 23 points. His ability to get to the foul line helped him overcome a lackluster shooting day from the field (4 of 12).

Nebraska was able to exploit Illinois at the free throw line thanks to 23 Illini fouls.

Nebraska coach Tim Miles praised the team's shooting as the difference.

"I think getting to the foul line for us was important and the fact we made some 3s tonight helped too," he said. "If we can do both of those, we're a tough out."

The Cornhuskers shot 25 for 30 at the line and 6 of 14 from beyond the arc.

Palmer Jr. was helped by fellow seniors Isaac Copeland Jr. and Glynn Watson Jr., who had 16 and 14 points, respectively. Watson added six rebounds and three assists as well as two of the Cornhuskers' six 3-pointers.

Miles pointed to Nebraska getting off to a fast start against Illinois as a key factor.

"It was really important with these guys, to get on top of them and then keep them at arm's length," Miles said.

The Cornhuskers were able to keep the Illini in check with their smothering defense, which produced eight steals en route to forcing 15 turnovers. Junior forward Isaiah Roby (8.3 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game) had three steals to go with eight points.